When Hope Did Not Disappoint
One of the things I loved most about working as a nurse in a crisis pregnancy clinic was the opportunities to present hope to our patients. There were moments of great joy when a patient chose life for her baby. There were also moments of great sorrow when we learned of the tragic situations that some of our patients were in. They would contemplate aborting their child because they felt trapped and hopeless in their circumstances.
I’ll never forget a patient who had taken an abortion pill and needed help. She told me that she had no support from her family and was afraid to tell her boyfriend about the pregnancy because it was not in their “plan.” She didn’t want to raise a baby on her own. But she regretted taking the abortion pill and was desperate to save her child.
I had the most wonderful privilege and honor of speaking truth into her life at that moment. Even if it was just a moment, I was able to fill her with hope. I affirmed her strength and courage to come to our clinic. I encouraged her that she had what it takes to be a good mom—that even taking this first step of choosing life for her baby was proof of that. I assured her that even if her life wasn’t going as planned, no one's life ever does. There will always be surprises and things that happen beyond our control, but we can’t lose hope.
We started the abortion pill reversal (APR) protocol right away. She diligently took her medications and came to all of her appointments with a supportive friend. We all prayed and entrusted this baby’s life into the hands of God. We breathed big sighs of relief every time we saw her baby moving during the ultrasounds. And finally, after months of journeying together and filling each other with encouragement and hope, she sent me a picture of her newborn baby boy in the middle of the night.
Not every story has a happy outcome like this one, but these were the moments that carried me through. It made me believe in the power of hope and prayer. It made me believe in the strength of women and mothers. And it made me believe in the bond of sisterhood and friendship that can help bring life into the world.
Let Us Pray
Lord, You are the Light of the world. Thank You for filling our world with hope, even in the most dire circumstances. We place our hope in You. Amen!
For Discussion
Have you ever had the honor of walking with someone through a season of suffering? What role did hope play as you served, encouraged, and comforted them?
Take a moment to thank God for a time when hope did not disappoint. Store up those graces and commit them to memory, knowing that He is a good Father.
They That Hope: The 2022 Prayer Pledge // Day 14 #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet
Maggie Kim is a wife and mother to 6 kids living in the ATX area. She became a Catholic convert in 2013 after discovering her love for the Eucharist, Sacred Tradition, and the powerful intercessory prayers of the Saints. She is a former Registered Nurse and has a passion for the pro-life movement, Natural Family Planning, childbirth, and motherhood. In her free time, she likes to read fiction novels, drink coffee, and pretend to know what she's doing in her home gym. Her husband, Paul, is a Catholic speaker so she understands the ups and downs of ministry life but loves being able to serve in this God-given mission alongside her family. You can find out more about her here.
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